Printer-Friendly Format     E-mail this article     Senior Katie Laing spoke during Saturday's stadium dedication.

BIG EAST home opener rained out, Irish play Villanova on Sunday.

April 12, 2008

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NOTRE DAME, Ind. - The rain in the South Bend area may have washed out Saturday's BIG EAST Conference softball doubleheader between Notre Dame and Rutgers, yet the day may still go down as one of the most significant in Irish history.

Notre Dame unveiled its new playing facility - Melissa Cook Stadium - during a morning ceremony held just outside the complex. University president Rev. John Jenkins, C.S.C., blessed the site which will house the Irish softball program for years to come, and remarks were given from athletics director Dr. Kevin White, head softball coach Deanna Gumpf, senior tri-captain Katie Laing, Lisa Hoffman and Paul and Linda Demo. The Demos, parents of Melissa Cook, also helped bless a bronze relief of the former Irish player that sits just inside the main entrance of the stadium.

Areas of the stadium made possible by gifts from the Delahanty and Hofmann families were honored as well.

Celebration of the stadium's opening will continue later in the day with a 6:30 p.m. (ET) mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart located on campus.

The Irish play Villanova on Sunday (April 13) at 11 a.m. to begin the day's doubleheader.

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